When we face Celtic in our Group B encounter on Wednesday night in Glasgow, it will mark a special moment for the 26-year-old who hails from Irvine in North Ayrshire.

She left Glasgow City as a teenager to pursue a new challenge in her career. That took her to London where she has enjoyed almost eight successful years, winning six Women's Super League titles, four FA cups and two League Cups.

The midfielder has also starred on the European stage, helping the Blues reach a historic Champions League final in the 2020/2021 season and the semi-final on four occasions.

To return to Scotland having achieved everything that she has done at Chelsea, Cuthbert says, is going to be an occasion the midfielder and those closest to her will undoubtedly savour for a very long time.

'For me, having my friends and family there is going to be absolutely class,' she said. 'One of the last times I played in the Champions League in Scotland for Glasgow City was against Chelsea, so to come back now playing for them is a full circle moment.

'It's a bit crazy and surreal, but I'm really excited for the opportunity.

'It's difficult to put into words how the last eight years have gone for me here. To go back to Scotland as a fairly established player for this Chelsea team is a proud moment for me.

'I hope it makes every young girl at Celtic Park believe they can achieve their dreams of whatever they want to do, whether that's playing for Celtic or for Chelsea. They can do whatever they set their mind to.'

Leaving Scotland at such a young age was not an easy decision. But, it was one Cuthbert felt she had to make to progress her career. She has certainly reaped her rewards after opting for such a move.

'It was the next progression' Cuthbert added. 'I had a couple of talks with other clubs at the time, one about six months prior, but it just didn't feel like the right opportunity. When Chelsea came calling, it was certainly one that I had to consider.

'I came down and trialled and it felt like a no-brainer. I wanted to be a professional footballer, but I also wanted it to be right. It was a scary decision, leaving my job at Morrisons, quitting university and moving away from home - dropping everything.

'It wasn't a move I took lightly, but I just relished the opportunity of playing with the best and thinking that a club like Chelsea wanted me - I wanted to take that opportunity with both hands.'

Cuthbert was brought to Chelsea by former manager Emma Hayes. The now USA head coach saw something in the midfielder during her trial with the club. Both of them never looked back.

'It's a cracking story,' Cuthbert answers when asked what memories she has of the trial and joining the club. 'I remember Millie Bright got locked in a toilet and climbed out over the top of it. I thought this team are just absolutely bonkers!

'But, it showed me that they were just normal people and I realised I could belong here.

'There was a game and I ended up scoring a really good goal, which I don't exactly think is one of my biggest traits. But, I scored the goal and got on Emma Hayes' watchlist and in that moment I think she made her mind up that she wanted me.

'She drove me straight to the airport after the game and by the time I got to Wagamama at Heathrow Airport, there was the contract offer from Paul Green.

'Emma was driving me to the airport and telling me that I might not play and I might be with the reserves in the beginning. I was going to have to work my way into the team because I wasn't guaranteed game time. I enjoyed the brutal honesty of that. She wasn't just telling me what I wanted to hear.

'She was making things achievable for me and proving to me that if I work hard that I could do it. I had enough confidence in myself to put my best foot forward and give the best account of myself.

'When I got the offer, it was a no-brainer. I called my family as soon as soon as I could and I was shaking like a leaf eating my katsu curry - these are the real details behind the story!'

Cuthbert may have left her home in Scotland to join Chelsea, but there is no doubt in her mind that she found the place where she belongs. Worlds will collide on Wednesday night when we play Celtic, and she will be at the centre of it all.

'I've gained such an affinity with Chelsea for so many years,' Cuthbert said. 'It's become my home. That's really special because not everybody finds their home and I've been lucky enough to do that.'